Falcons' Petrino resigns; takes job at Arkansas

The Atlanta coach lasted only 13 NFL games before returning to the college ranks.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Last update: December 12, 2007 - 1:52 AM

Bobby Petrino thought he was getting one of the best coaching jobs in the NFL. Without Michael Vick, it wasn’t worth keeping for even one full season.

Only 13 games into a miserable debut as Atlanta Falcons coach, Petrino stunningly announced his resignation Tuesday, to return to the college ranks at Arkansas, according to a person familiar with Petrino’s decision.

The person was speaking on condition of anonymity because the school had not made an official announcement.

Petrino left Louisville for Atlanta in January, agreeing to a five-year, $24 million contract handed out by a team that felt he could help Vick reach his full potential.

“I was able to see the commitment that has been made here,” Petrino said at his introductory news conference. “I believe this is truly the best football job in the NFL. It was an easy decision for me.”

Of course, he had no idea what Vick was doing in his spare time.

A few months later, the star quarterback came under investigation for a grisly dogfighting operation that led him to plead guilty to federal charges. He was sentenced Monday to 23 months in prison without ever taking a snap for Petrino, who left with a 3-10 record.

Arkansas has been looking for a coach for two weeks to replace Houston Nutt, who resigned after a tumultuous season and took the head coaching job at Mississippi.

Arkansas had no immediate comment, but called a late-night news conference for a “major announcement.”

The Falcons declined further response beyond a terse, two-paragraph statement released Tuesday night. Petrino could not be reached for comment. Owner Arthur Blank and General Manager Rich McKay were scheduled to hold a news conference Wednesday.